Chennai: Flight operations at Chennai International Airport resumed on Sunday morning following the passage of Cyclone Fengal over the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. The airport had temporarily suspended flights on Saturday due to torrential rain and high winds caused by the cyclone. Passengers experienced significant delays, with many stranded for 8–10 hours as flights were canceled without prior notification.
One passenger traveling to Abu Dhabi via Air Arabia expressed his frustration, stating, “We’ve been waiting since last night with no updates or basic amenities like food or water. Airlines should have ensured alternate arrangements or offered refunds. This has been one of the worst travel experiences in my life.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal made landfall between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM on Saturday near Puducherry, bringing wind speeds of 70–80 km/h and gusts reaching 90 km/h. The cyclone is expected to weaken into a deep depression within hours, moving west-southwestward.
Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted road travel, air services, and daily life in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Authorities have relocated affected residents to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district as a precautionary measure. Airlines issued travel advisories and rescheduled flights to mitigate the impact.
The situation is being monitored closely using Doppler weather radars in Chennai and Karaikal. Relief measures continue to ensure public safety and facilitate recovery efforts following Cyclone Fengal’s effects.
